Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Happy Thanksgiving 2010! Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go for Thanksgiving! Here we are at "grandmother's house" off Pleasant Ridge Road in northwest Greensboro reminiscing about the North Carolina of yesteryear-- long before cul-de-sacs, Facebook, and text plans.

You knew you were at the old homestead when you rounded the corner and saw the huge oak tree with brown leaves not yet ready to surrender to winter. At least one truck would be parked in the yard because the men folk would need somewhere to congregate and reminisce about their morning of rabbit and squirrel hunting. After Thanksgiving dinner men would swap many a story and joke or two out in the yard. Women did the same, usually while cleaning up the kitchen and dining room. Kids ran around the barn getting reacquainted with cousins who'd moved away. Everyone enjoyed fellowship with their respective group until the matriarch announced dessert. "Come and get it." If you were lucky, you would get a piece of persimmon pudding. We all knew how hard persimmon pudding was to make and how it was only available once a year. If you were extra lucky, you'd also get a piece of Aunt Bessie's raisin pie which was rumored to contain a hint of rum.

If you are one of our American readers, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of family, good food and fellowship. If you are one of our international readers, thank you for allowing us to indulge in a slice of Americana-- North Carolina style!